Postflight

The biggest joy and reward (other than my own thrill and awe of flying bags of hot air) is the reaction of passengers or spectators.

Kids are often times the most expressive, even if not in words directly. Just recently I had this experience from two young passenger/crew while flying at the Dutchess County Rally (Poughkeepsie, New York). I wanted to share this because it's universal, not specific to any one event.

Among the passengers I had taken with me were two kids of a local crew member. That morning we were able to fly across the Hudson River. Of course a "splash & dash" was in order for most of the balloons. It was a beautiful morning and, needless to say, we had fun, no—we had a terrific time. But the best part was a few weeks later when I received two thank you cards made by the kids. I've enclosed copies of the cards and a photo of Kira and Thomas Hajosch in the basket over the Hudson River (NY). Take a closer look at Kira's card, re-read the words, look at her drawing again and think back when you were a kid and something special happened to you. Yes, those are the colors of our balloon (sort of).

Johann Schneider
Avon-by-the-Sea, New Jersey

...And there was no room for the pilot
my grin took up so much room! Thanks
sooooooo much! I had a FABULUSE
time!

Why Race? Let me count the reasons.

Editor:

[In response to Freeflight, May, Why Race?] Almost all balloon competitions help pilots and crew develop and practice a variety of useful skills. Use of checklists, inflations in varied conditions, contour flying, weather interpretation and finding different wind directions (steering), attaining preferred landing sites with safe landings, map reading skills, and use of radio equipment are a few examples.

If you complete you must constantly refine and hone all of your ballooning skills. In order to achieve the goal you must prepare yourself, your crew and your equipment. This is true whether your goal is to fly to an "X" or to give your grandmother an enjoyable and safe flight.

Nothing develops landing skills better than making approaches and contour flying. These are two skills which must be practiced every race. Planning approaches form different altitudes in different terrain and with varied wind conditions; what could be better practice for landings?

At most events map reading skills are used throughout flight planning and the flight. Pilots must be able to determine position, seek out and avoid PZs, find the targets, and find safe, accessible places to land. Balloon races provide a great opportunity to develop map reading skills for both pilots and crew.

Competition pilots are among the safest, most experienced pilots flying. Skills are constantly being tested and refined, and decision making skills are employed more frequently. According to insurance carriers, most accidents are caused by ride balloon operators, not racers. Hard landings are the most common cause of insurance rate increases. Very few accidents occur during races. This is probably due in part to the skill of pilots, as well as other factors: racing balloons tend to be smaller and easier to handle than ride balloons, and usually carry fewer people, thus reducing the exposure to accidents and incidents.

I will be the first to admit that markers (baggies) are not the best way to determine a winner in a balloon race, but it is the simplest and most widely accepted method we employ at this time. Many races are taking the throwing skill out of the event by requiring gravity drops instead of thrown baggies. In the future we may not have to use any form of marker drops to determine position. We are already using sophisticated electronic devices attached to GPS units for accuracy in measuring results. I think that in the future you may see baskets equipped with a sensor that would measure exact distance from a target without throwing a marker. Lower would be closer and this would simulate a landing at the goal without getting in the way of another competitor.

Races also provide an opportunity to showcase our balloons to the public. This creates more interest in ballooning and encourages enthusiastic sightseers to participate as crew and perhaps begin flight training. Our sport can only survive if it grows. Public gatherings such as races and glows attract media attention, which in turn draws larger crowds. This benefits the organizer who puts his capital at risk as well as balloonists who want more exposure for the sport.

It has been said by some that only a small percentage of balloon pilots in the United States race. This is false. While it is true that only a small percentage compete in the BFA Competition Division, many are involved in hundreds of events annually that are not BFA sanctioned. The thing to remember is that there is something for everyone to enjoy in ballooning; from lazy Saturday afternoon fun flights with family and friends to competition in the international arena. After all, this is a SPORT, and the purpose of sports is to come together with friends and have a good time.

Brian Beazly
New Albany, Indiana

Mr. Beazly recently represented the U.S. had the World Hot Air Balloon Championship. Ed.